Temple panels want prompt action against Goa idol desecrations

Panaji, Jan 06 (Agencies): Alarmed by the increasing rate of idol desecrations and temple robberies in Goa, temple committees here have decided to join hands to mount pressure on the State Government to act quickly against such incidents.

The Gomantak Mandir and Dharmik Sanstha Mahasangh have claimed that in last six years more than 50 idols have been desecrated and 250 temples robbed.

"The State Government has failed to achieve any breakthrough in these incidents although property worth crores of rupees was robbed away or destroyed," Mahasangh President Chandrakant Pandit said.Mahasangh has now called for a meeting on January 8, 2011 at Porvorim near here to decide future course of action.

"The State Government has not adopted any precautionary measures. The incidents of attacking temples are on rise. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Goa police has failed to get a breakthrough in last two years," said Mahansangh's office bearer Ramesh Shinde.

It has also decided to facilitate coordination amongst temples and religious organisations and provide free of cost legal assistance to temple committee to resolve legal matters.